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Extremes Research group to investigate altitude illness in Himalayan expedition

This week, academics from Bangor University will lead an expedition to the Himalayas as part of a research project to investigate altitude related illness.

Researchers Dr Samuel Oliver and Dr Jamie Macdonald, PhD student Gabriella Rossetti and undergraduate Sport Science student James Pollard - all from Bangor University’s School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences - will be part of the 55-strong team comprising of medical doctors, scientists and mountain rescuers, who will embark on the expedition on the 20th March, returning on the 25th April.

The expedition, organised by Medical Expeditions (MEDEX), will follow a trekking route around the 8000 m mountain Manaslu, reaching base camp at 5000 m where the team will set up solar and wind powered laboratories to investigate six research projects. These include ‘the sources of stress and associated coping strategies when working at altitude’ and ‘testing the relationship between fitness and expedition success: is being fitter associated with less illness, more enjoyment and better performance?’

Physiology Lecturer Dr Samuel Oliver, who is part of the Extremes Research Group within the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, commented: “The reason we’re undertaking this expedition is to form research that will allow us to educate mountaineers, trekkers and their doctors about the nature and avoidance of altitude related illness.”

In preparation for the expedition the team has already completed numerous baseline tests in laboratories at Bangor University’s School of Science, Health and Exercise Sciences, including resting and exercising tests on cardiac, lung and brain functions as well as testing participants sleeping patterns.

MEDEX has been completing these types of research expeditions since 1994. Dr Jamie Macdonald and Dr Samuel Oliver have been involved with MEDEX previously for their expedition in 2008 to the Himalayas and Nepal.

Gabriella Rossetti Gabriella Rossetti, 23, from Bristol, who is looking forward to the experience of taking part in such a major research expedition:

“To me this is as cool as science can get,” she said. “It’s such interesting research, finding out how the human body manages to cope in extreme environments and conditions and discovering how the body then overcomes those difficulties.

“It is a fantastic opportunity as a PhD student to be involved with such an important research project that will enable us to educate mountaineers, trekkers and their doctors about the nature and avoidance of altitude related illness.

“I’m really looking forward getting out there, experiencing that environment, and carrying out the research. It will be an important part of my PhD studies in High Altitude Health & Performance.”

Gabriella, is a former pupil of St Mary Redcliffe & Temple Secondary School, Bristol. She completed both her undergraduate and Masters degrees at Bangor University. Her undergraduate course was BSc Sports Science (Outdoor Activities), and she then went on to complete a a Masters by research (MRes) within the School. She is now studying for a PhD in High Altitude Health & Performance.

James PollardJames Pollard, 21, from Oxford, feels lucky to get the chance to be involved in such a major expedition.

The second year BSc Sport Science student has always been interested in altitude research, and has been involved in much of the preparatory work in the Sport Science laboratories at Bangor University. He said:

“Almost everyone who is taking part in the expedition came up over two weekends for the lab testing, where we were doing the baseline tests for all the different research projects that will going on out there.

“My role when we’re in the Himalayas will be helping out with the research and especially making sure that everything is set up properly when we get to base camp.

“I’m really enjoying the course here at Bangor University and so grateful for this fantastic opportunity. It does mean though that I’ll be taking two week off from uni next term, so I’ve had to be really organised about getting my assignments in early and trying to stay on top of my course work, as well as helping out with the lab testing and preparations.”

James previously studied at D’Overbroekck’s Sixth Form College, Oxford before completing the HND Sports Science (Outdoor Recreation course) and progressing onto the BSc course at Bangor University. In his spare time, he’s previously done some climbing and a lot of hill-walking, and is also involved in the Canoe Polo club at University.

“In the long-term I’m interested in getting into physio or rehab physio work,” he said, “so the expedition should help me find out more about research into altitude sickness and recovery. I’ll also be basing my third year project on what I do during the expedition, so all round it should be an exciting and useful experience for me.”

James will also be following in his father’s footsteps on the expedition to the Himalayas. His father, who is a Professor at Oxford University, has previously been part of a Medex research expedition to the region and published research into high altitude medicine.